FAQs

In Hanoi and Saigon there are a number of options available should you unfortunately have an accodent or become ill.

It would be wise to have taken out travel insurance for the duration of your trip preferably with total cover including consulations. Possibly also confirm with your insurer which medical servives you can use in the case of an accident.

 In both Hanoi and Saigon SOS INternational and Vietnam Family Medical both offer excellent services and operate 24/7. They have a mix of western and Vietnamese doctors available.

 http://www.internationalsos.com/en/about-our-clinics_vietnam_3534.htm

http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/

As well in both Hanoi and Saigon there is a French Hospital - and this is where most major accident sufferes will end up - prior to evacuation to Bangkok for major accident treatment :

http://www.hfh.com.vn/      Hanoi

http://www.fvhospital.com/  Saigon

Pharmacies - there are many near our hotel

Normally you can just wlak in and ask for what you require without a prescription - check though where the item is manufactured as some fake drugs are to be found here.

Vietnam has a particularly complicated climate and, like elsewhere in the world, weather patterns have been changing over recent years. The situation described below is therefore only an indication of the type of weather you can expect.

Northern Vietnam Climate
Starting in the north, autumn (September to December) is undoubtedly the most pleasant season. At this time of year it's generally warm (average temps above 20°C), dry and sunny in the delta, though you'll need warm clothes up in the mountains and on the waters of Ha Long Bay. Winter (December to February) can be surprisingly bitter as cold air sweeps south from China bringing fine, persistent mists and temperatures as low as 7°C. Things begin to warm up again in March, which ushers in a period of good, spring weather before the summer heat begins in earnest in May, closely followed by the rainy season in June. This combination makes for hot, sticky weather which takes many people by surprise. Temperatures, which can occasionally reach 40°C, average 30°C, while humidity hovers around 70-75%. The rain comes in heavy downpours, causing frequent flooding in Hanoi and the delta. By mid September, however, the rains are petering out, and from October onwards it's perfect sightseeing weather.

Central Coast Vietnam Climate
The coastal region from Hanoi south to Hué lies in the typhoon belt. Around Hué, typhoons seem most prevalent in April and May, while further north the season generally lasts from July to November. However, typhoons are incredibly difficult to predict and it really is a matter of luck - or bad luck, rather - if you are caught. Flights are usually only disrupted for a matter of hours, but in recent years the main road and rail routes heading south have been cut by floods at least once during the typhoon season. The good news is that they usually get everything moving again incredibly quickly - within four or five days, depending on the severity of the damage.

The central region of Vietnam has a notoriously wet climate, particularly around Hué, where the annual average rainfall is a generous 3m. The so-called "dry" season lasts from February to May, though you'll need an umbrella even then. After this it gets wetter and hotter (av temps 30°C) until the rainy season begins in earnest in September, gradually easing off from November through January. Winter temperatures average a pleasant 20°C or above.

Southern Vietnam Climate
Southern Vietnam is blessed with a more equitable - and predictable - climate. Here the dry season lasts from December to late April/May, and the rains from May through November. Most of the rain falls in brief afternoon downpours, so you can still get out and about, though flooding can be a problem in the delta. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 20°C, occasionally reaching 40°C in the hottest months (March to May). Once the rains start, humidity climbs to an enervating 80%.

Central Highland of Vietnam Climate
The central highlands follow roughly the same weather pattern as the southern delta. In the rainy season (May-November) roads are regularly washed out, but it can also be very beautiful at this time, with tumbling rivers, waterfalls and misty landscapes. You just have to build a bit more flexibility into your schedule.

Vietnam is fifteen hours ahead of Los Angeles, twelve hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney (give or take an hour during daylight saving time).

Current dong exchange rates are available on the internet. Please try one of the links below:

www.vietcombank.com.vn   as the Government bank it is most accurate

www.xe.com     an international site which is not always accurate but you can use it for   obtaining actual exchange calculations

Please note that it is difficult to exchange Vietnamese Dong outside the country so best to get rid of all dong beofre leaving unless you want a souvenir.

The most important thing is to make sure your Vietnam visa is stamped with the correct dates.

 The standard tourist visa is valid for a period of up to 30 days. If you're going for less than 30 days you can either specify the exact dates, but it is probably best to ask for the maximum period to give yourself more flexibility.

Visas can be prearranged and picked up at the airport but you will need a letter from a local travel company confirming this is arranged or you will not be able to board your flight.

You can contact info@wideeyedtours.com for this service

Processing at an overseas Embassy normally takes between a week and ten days (some embassies offer an express service for an extra fee).

When applying for a Vietnam visa, in general you have to fill in two application forms and provide two passport photos. One of these forms, with photo attached, will be returned to you with your visa.

If you need to extend your stay for any reason, it is relatively easy to apply for a visa renewal at present. Again this is handled by tour agents.

Be aware that at times - when ASEAN Conferences, elections are being held.....there maybe a restricted numbe rof visas issued.